paring knife

[ pair-ing nahyf ]

noun

, plural par·ing knives

1. a short-bladed kitchen knife for paring fruits and vegetables.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paring knife¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Use the dull side of a paring knife to scrape out the vanilla bean seeds and add them to the sugar, along with the lemon zest and the ground Earl Grey tea.

From Seattle Times

Then slide a paring knife around the sides to help loosen the cake, and turn cake out onto a rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

From Seattle Times

Use a paring knife to peel fruits and vegetables, say, or devein shrimp.

From Washington Times

Using a sharp paring knife, score the ham by making crosshatch cuts all over the surface about 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, creating a square or diamond pattern.

From Washington Post

Let the cake rest for about five minutes after removing it from the oven, then run a small paring knife around the edges.

From Salon